M-Audio Axiom 61 Keyboard Controller

We sure have come a long way from four-track tape machines. Most laptops sold today ship with sophisticated multi-track recording software built right in, and even most of those free programs come complete with built-in synthesizers, drum machines, and mixing capabilities. Spend a little time working with one of these recording programs, and you'll quickly realize that your basic mouse-and-keyboard setup isn't letting you get the most out of your software. Time to upgrade with the M-Audio Axiom 61. It's a responsive musical keyboard, drum pad controller, and tactile recording console all in one, and thanks to USB, it's as easy to setup as plug-and-play.

Get In Touch With Your Recordings
With its wealth of knobs and buttons, the multi-faceted Axiom 61 lets you do away with your mouse almost completely. The transport section puts the most common functions--play, record, stop fast forward, rewind--at your fingertips for instant access. With these controls so close to the keyboard, you won't have to readjust your brain or your sitting position to capture your best performance. Additionally, using the soft, rubberized transport buttons to control frequent repeated actions instead of the mouse helps cut down on the risk of repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to transport controls, the Axiom 61 provides you with eight rotary controllers and eight faders with associated function buttons. Each of these different controller types can be assigned to just about any parameter you see on screen, from volume and panning to plug-in parameters like resonance and filter cutoff. The addition of a 4 x 3 keypad lets you make numerical entries directly from the Axiom, so you won't have to reach for your computer's keyboard.

No-Compromise Keys And Pads
More than just a control surface, it'd be more accurate to call the Axiom 61 a "control instrument." The 61 full-sized, waterfall-style keys are ample and responsive. The keys offer just enough resistance for musical-feeling action, and are velocity-sensitive for expressive, dynamic performance. You won't feel like you're controlling your computer because you'll be playing it like an instrument, and you'll notice the difference in your music right away. In addition to velocity sensitivity, the Axiom's keys feature aftertouch, a feature not found on most keyboards under $1000. Aftertouch adds an additional level of playability to the Axiom: once a key is struck, it can be held for sustained notes, but press even harder, and you can effect an extra layer of control. Make strings go from simple sustain to vibrato, activate additional filters on a synth patch, give any instrument a little gain boost after the initial note attack. . . the possibilities are near endless. As if that weren't enough, the Axiom 61 provides you with eight rubberized drum trigger pads, perfect for programming beats, or just thinking about basslines in a different way. It's a whole studio's worth of musical gadgetry in a lightweight, compact, and dare we say handsome USB controller.

Use It With Standalone Synth Modules, Too!
because the Axiom 61 has real MIDI in and out ports, you don't even need a computer to enjoy its expressive keys. Just route it into a hardware synthesizer module and you're off and running. While most common functions will auto-map to your sound modules (pitch bend, modulation), Axiom keyboards also let you get deep into MIDI programming geekery. Preset editing tasks is made easier thanks to the generous--and brightly back-lit--LCD display, and clearly labeled programming buttons make advanced functions easily accessible. The M-Audio Axiom 61 lets you get as deep as you want into your music.

You use your mouse and keyboard for emails, spreadsheets, accounting. . you know, work. Treat your music like the art form it is with the M-Audio Axiom 61 Keyboard Controller.

Power SupplyIf you are using your Axiom with a computer via its USB port, there is no need for an external power supply. Your Axiom will draw its power from the computer.However, if you are intending to use your Axiom without connecting to a computer's USB port, then you will need to use an external power supply. No power supply is included in the box, so please select one that meets the following requirements:

M-Audio Axiom 61 Keyboard Controller

Get Into the Action
The Axiom series of mobile USB MIDI controllers has everything it takes to get the most from your MIDI software and hardware. Semi-weighted action complete with aftertouch gives you great feel and expression for both synth parts and pianistic passages. Eight rubberized trigger pads put your drums at your fingertips for programming with feel or easy fire samples or visual effects.

Total MIDI Control
Assign the eight rotary encoders to mixer controls like panning and effects sends, or to any synth parameters you want to control. Map the nine sliders to software mixer faders or drawbars on your virtual organ. 15 buttons*, pitch and mod wheels, and sustain and expression pedal jacks round out a tour de force of MIDI domination. Assigning controllers is simple, yet has the power to let you delve as deep as you want. Each controller can map to just about any applicable parameter in the MIDI spec, including independent channel addressing for each. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
* six buttons on the Axiom 25

Intuitive Front-Panel Programming
M-Audio Axiom MIDI controllers all feature a large backlit LCD screen for visual feedback--and the 61-key and 49-key models also place a 10-key pad right on the front panel for direct, intuitive programming. You'll also find 9 dedicated front-panel function buttons to easily access common operations like preset / program change or MIDI channel +/-, octave +/-, and transpose +/-. Use the Controller Mute button to prevent parameters from jumping when you change them, for example, then press Snapshot to transmit all current settings. 20 non-volatile memory locations instantly save and recall your favorite presets' and you can manage an entire preset library on your computer via SysEx dumps and the free Enigma software editor/librarian for PC and Mac.

Mobile Operation
The Axiom series is extremely compact and lightweight and all models are powered directly from your computer's USB bus. Choose the size that's best for your needs, then take your music anywhere you want to go.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Great when it works, but the support is horrible."

Sound:
Works fine for controlling other MIDI units. Touch response is decent. The extra control knobs, faders, and pads are nice.
Feature:
Loads of buttons, knobs, features, presets, etc. Works MIDI and USB.
Ease of Use:
Works out of the box, but to get the most out of it you should spend some time on the website and forums to get presets and other nice functionality.
Quality:
Mine broke after 4 months. D and G# keys stopped working through USB, and when plugged in via MIDI the controllers would not record in ProTools.
Value:
As long as you don't have problems with it I suppose your fine. But if you have to ship it in, get ready for shipping charges at very least and if it does go out of warranty after 12 months...you then get hit with labor charges.
Manufacturer Support:
Miserable excuse for support. When you submit a problem, they rattle off items from the Knowledge Base as if we can't look those up and perform them ourselves. And then when those have been exhausted, it's a 4-week turnaround for repair and the owner (YOU) have to pay for shipment both ways. Buy crap, get crappy service.
The Wow Factor:
I'm pretty sure based on my experience with support I won't buy any more M-Audio equipment. 4-month old equipment shouldn't have problems and an owner shouldn't have to pay for shipping or labor to have it repaired if it does break.
Overall:
All in all, if it works and you don't have problems it's a good piece of equipment to have in the studio...but keep your fingers crossed because the support people at M-Audio don't have it.

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"Good Product for Great Price"

Sound:
does not have sound
Feature:
This product has great features and gives me excellent control. I like how it's powered via USB.
Ease of Use:
Once you get going with it, the Axiom is really quite simple.
Quality:
It's okay... nothing too bad. As far as I've used it, it's pretty dependable.
Value:
Great price.
Manufacturer Support:
none needed
The Wow Factor:
The features all appealed to me and made me want to get it. As far as aesthetics go, the Axiom is fairly good looking with cool rubber pads on the sides as walls.
Overall:
Great price; however, the keys stick once in a while. The touch is kind of awkward.

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